Description of Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman is a small to medium-sized shrub or tree that belongs to the Dichapetalaceae family. It is a plant that is native to Central and Eastern Africa, specifically in the countries of Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Common Names
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman has several common names in the places where it can be found, some of which are:
- Lolo (Congo)
- Nkolonzi (D.R.C.)
- Mokka (Equatorial Guinea)
- Mukumakala (Kenya)
- Mufuru (Tanzania)
- Khumaga (Zambia)
Uses
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman has several uses among the local people in the regions where it is found. The plant's bark is used for medicinal purposes, specifically as a remedy for various ailments such as fever, dysentery, diarrhea, and malaria. The plant's root is also used as a remedy for leprosy. Additionally, the plant's wood is used for various purposes such as firewood, charcoal, and construction.
General Appearance
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Haumanappears as a small to medium-sized shrub or tree with a height of up to 9 meters. The branches are short and crooked, and the bark is greyish-brown and smooth. The leaves are alternate, simple, and elliptic in shape, with a length of up to 12 cm. The plant's flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color. The fruit is an ovoid drupe that is about 1-2cm long. The plant prefers to grow in areas with well-drained soils, and its growth is slowed down by frost.
Light Requirements
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman typically grows in areas with partial to full sunlight. It requires about 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce optimal growth. However, care should be taken to protect the plant from intense sunlight, especially during peak hours of the day, to avoid leaf burn.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman is between 18 to 22 °C. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but it is highly sensitive to frost. The plant cannot survive in conditions below 10°C, and it is susceptible to root rot at temperatures above 30°C.
Soil Requirements
The Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman plant thrives in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. Moreover, the plant is quite tolerant of poor soil conditions and adapts well to a wide range of soil types, including sandy soils, loam soils, and clay soils. However, it is best to avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman can be grown both outdoors and indoors. When planted outdoors, it thrives in warm, humid environments, and is well suited for tropical or subtropical regions. It thrives in well-draining, acidic soils and prefers a position with partial shade. When planting indoors, ensure that it is placed in a location with ample sunlight exposure.Watering needs
Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman is a plant that requires regular watering. It needs to be watered deeply at least once a week, but ensure that the soil is well-drained to avoid waterlogging. If the plant is grown indoors, it is crucial to ensure that the pot has good drainage holes and that excess water is removed from the saucer underneath.Fertilization
Fertilization is critical to ensuring that Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman grows well. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. When the plant is dormant, avoid applying fertilizer. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer's recommended instructions when applying fertilizer.Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the size and shape of Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman. Prune the plant immediately after the blooming period to prevent it from becoming too leggy. Remove any damaged or dead branches, and cut back the tips of the branches to shape the plant. Always use sharp and clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.Propagation of Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman
Propagation of Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo (De Wild. & T.Durand) Hauman can be done by seeds or stem cuttings. Here are the details about each method:
Propagation by seeds
Collect mature seeds from the plant and soak them in water for 24-48 hours to soften the seed coat. Sow the seeds in a mixture of sand and compost or well-draining soil. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep the soil moist. Germination may take up to several weeks.
Propagation by stem cuttings
Take stem cuttings from healthy plants in the spring or summer. Cut about 10-15 cm of stem with a sharp, clean knife. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright area, but away from direct sunlight. The cuttings should root within a few weeks.
Disease Management
One of the major diseases that might affect Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo is powdery mildew. This fungal disease produces a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove and dispose of infected leaves and stems. Ensure the plant has good air circulation and keep the foliage dry to prevent the disease from spreading. You can also apply fungicides to manage the disease.
Anthracnose is another fungal disease that affects Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo. It causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage anthracnose, prune infected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Practice good sanitation practices by avoiding overhead irrigation, removing leaf litter, and disinfecting your tools after use. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays can also be used to manage the disease.
Pest Management
Spider mites are common pests that might affect Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo. These tiny pests suck the sap out of the leaves, causing yellowing and distortion. To manage spider mites, wash the foliage with a strong jet of water to dislodge them. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the pests.
The mealybug is another pest that might affect Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo. These pests appear as white, cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. To manage mealybugs, remove and dispose of infected parts of the plant. You can also use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to get rid of the pests.
Finally, the whitefly is a common pest that might affect Dichapetalum schweinfurthii Engl. var. lolo. These pests are tiny, white, and fly-like, and they suck the sap out of the leaves. To manage whiteflies, wash the foliage with a strong jet of water to remove the pests. You can also use sticky traps to catch the pests or insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
